By Jescy Rodriguez–Would you like a cup of Zuppa Toscana or chicken and dumpling soup?” asked a friendly face serving soup into small Styrofoam cups for a nominal fee. That friendly face belonged to the president of Morningside College’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, Danielle Dahlkotter.
Sigma Tau Delta means a lot to Dani. Since being invited to STD her sophomore year, she has worked hard fundraising and spreading the word about their honors society. Her hard work has propelled her to a vital leadership role, in which she aids the group by preparing meetings and events.
“STD has helped me improve my leadership skills as well as expand my knowledge on literature and how to present research on it. I run meetings, organize events like cup of soup and poetry slams, prepare for conferences and also take care of the day to day duties which need to be tended to.”
Sigma Tau Delta (STD) is an international honor society founded in 1924, which confers distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate and professional studies.
It also provides cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature in surrounding communities, as well as, foster all aspects of the discipline of English.
The Cup of Soup For You is a unique fundraiser held on campus sponsored by STD. Unlike sports teams on campus, STD cannot rely on the money of boosters, or the small amount of money granted to them by the Student Government. To make up for this, they must fundraise and make up a large portion of their treasury themselves. Soup is the answer to STD’s problems.
This special event held several times throughout the year in the main lobby of Lewis Hall supplies a plethora of great tasting soups. The selections of soup include zuppa Toscana, chicken and dumpling, broccoli and cheese, chicken tortilla, and chili, alongside breadsticks and cinnamon buns. Each pot of soup is homemade by active members of STD or on occasion donated by friends of the English Department.
Another supporter and active member of STD, student body President Kelci Tuet, occasionally donates pots of her homemade chili to support the cause.
“This is a unique fundraiser which no other organization can replicate. All of our soups are homemade and it has become a tradition for us to come out and dish out some of the best soups for miles around.”
Dahlkotter added, “This is our original fundraising event, held a few times throughout the year, most departments have a bake sale or sell t-shirts, but we have the tradition of selling soup.”
The money raised goes towards helping students go to an annual STD international conference where students and professors can share their past year’s work amongst English enthusiasts
“It is also is a fun opportunity to travel! Last year’s conference was held in New Orleans,” Dahlkotter said.
This year the STD conference is going to be held in Portland, Oregon. The Morningside chapter of STD will be sending representatives who will be presenting research at the conference.
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